Cholesteryl Phenolipids as Potential Biomembrane Antioxidants.

The lipophilization of polyphenols (phenolipids) may increase their affinity for membranes, leading to better antioxidant protection. Cholesteryl esters of caffeic, dihydrocaffeic, homoprotocatechuic and protocatechuic acids were synthetized in a one-step procedure with good to excellent yields of ~50-95%. After evaluation of their radical scavenging capacity by the DPPH method and establishing the anodic peak potential by cyclic voltammetry, their antioxidant capacity against AAPH-induced oxidative stress in soybean PC liposomes was determined. Their interaction with the liposomal membrane was studied with the aid of three fluorescence probes located at different depths in the membrane. The cholesteryl esters showed a better or similar radical scavenging capacity to that of α-tocopherol and a lower anodic peak potential than the corresponding parental phenolic acids. Cholesteryl esters were able to protect liposomes to a similar or greater extent than α-tocopherol. However, despite their antiradical capacity and being able to penetrate and orientate in the membrane in a parallel position to phospholipids, the antioxidant efficiency of cholesteryl esters was deeply dependent on the phenolipid polyphenolic moiety structure. When incorporated during liposome preparation, cholesteryl protocatechuate and caffeate showed more than double the activity of α-tocopherol. Thus, cholesteryl phenolipids may protect biomembranes against oxidative stress to a greater extent than α-tocopherol.

A biochemical perspective on the fate of virgin olive oil phenolic compounds in vivo.

The chemistry of the phenolic compounds found in virgin olive oil (VOO) is very complex due, not only to the different classes of polyphenols that can be found in it, but, above all, due to the existence of a very specific phenol class found only in oleaceae plants: the secoiridoids. Searching in the Scopus data base the keywords flavonoid, phenolic acid, lignin and secoiridoid, we can find a number of 148174, 79435, 11326 and 1392 research articles respectively, showing how little is devote to the latter class of compounds. Moreover, in contrast with other classes, that include only phenolic compounds, secoiridoids may include phenolic and non-phenolic compounds, being the articles concerning phenolic secoiridoids much less than the half of the abovementioned articles. Therefore, it is important to clarify the structures of these compounds and their chemistry, as this knowledge will help understand their bioactivity and metabolism studies, usually performed by researchers with a more health science's related background. In this review, all the structures found in many research articles concerning VOO phenolic compounds chemistry and metabolism was gathered, with a special attention devoted to the secoiridoids, the main phenolic compound class found in olives, VOO and olive leaf.

When more is less in financial decision-making: financial literacy magnifies framing effects.

In recent years, the financial world has become more complex and intricate. In this context, numeracy and, particularly, financial literacy, are seen as paramount in providing consumers with the knowledge and confidence required to take part in financial markets. Despite some indicative empirical findings, it is still to be ascertained how the two competences differentially contribute to the quality of decision-making in financial contexts. Furthermore, it is still unknown to what degree financial literacy and numeracy, taken as relevant mind-ware for financial decision-making, are effective in guarding against well-documented biases such as loss aversion and framing effects. This study aims to clarify these issues by employing an experimental task, conceived as an approximation to real-world decision-making involving the sale of shares. Our results suggest that numeracy and financial literacy affect decision-making differently in a pattern that, in part, runs counter to conventional economic theory. The data indicate that numeracy promotes a pattern of choices closer to economic rationality, while financial literacy can prove counterproductive and may amplify cognitive biases, namely framing effects and loss aversion. The outcomes are interpreted in light of dual-process theories, and the political implications discussed.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigation on the Thermochemistry of 3-Methyl-2-benzoxazolinone and 6-Nitro-2-benzoxazolinone.

The determination of the reliable thermodynamic properties of 2-benzoxazolinone derivatives is the main goal of this work. Some correlations are established between the energetic properties determined and the structural characteristics of the title compounds, and the reactivity of this class of compounds is also evaluated. Static-bomb combustion calorimetry and high-temperature Calvet microcalorimetry were used to determine, respectively, the standard molar enthalpies of formation in the solid state and the standard molar enthalpies of sublimation, both at T = 298.15 K. Using the results obtained for each compound, the respective gas-phase standard molar enthalpy of formation was derived. High-level quantum chemical calculations were performed to estimate the same property and the results evidence good accordance. Moreover, the gas-phase relative thermodynamic stability of 2-benzoxazolinone derivatives was also evaluated using the respective gas-phase standard molar Gibbs energy of formation. In addition, the relationship between the energetic and structural characteristics of the benzoxazolinones is presented, evidencing the enthalpic increments associated with the presence of a methyl and a nitro groups in the molecule, and this effect is compared with similar ones in other structurally related compounds.

Brown adipose tissue remodelling induced by corticosterone in male Wistar rats.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does glucocorticoid excess disrupt brown adipose tissue (BAT) phenotype and function? What is the main finding and its importance? Glucocorticoid excess induced an extensive remodelling of interscapular BAT, resulting in a white-like phenotype in association with metabolic disturbances. Glucocorticoids might be an important modulator of BAT physiology and BAT may have a role in pathophysiology of metabolic disturbances induced by glucocorticoid excess. ABSTRACT: In mammals, brown adipose tissue (BAT) is centrally involved in energy metabolism. To test the hypothesis that glucocorticoid excess disrupts BAT phenotype and function, male Wistar rats were treated with corticosterone in drinking water for 21 days. To confirm induction of glucocorticoid excess and metabolic disturbances, adrenal weight, corticotrophin releasing hormone mRNA levels and corticosterone serum levels were measured and a glucose tolerance test and serum triacylglycerol analyses were performed. Adipose tissue deposits were excised, weighed and evaluated by a set of biochemical, histological and molecular procedures, including thin-layer chromatography, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, high-resolution oxygraphy, ATP synthesis and enzymatic activity measurements. The approach was successful in induction of glucocorticoid excess and metabolic disturbances. Lower body weight and increased adiposity were observed in corticosterone-treated rats. Interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) showed higher sensitivity to glucocorticoids than other fat deposits. The treatment induced lipid accumulation, unilocular rearrangement, increased collagen content and decreased innervation in iBAT. Furthermore, expression of Prdm16 (P < 0.05), Ucp1 (P <0.05) and Slc7a10 (P <0.05) mRNA decreased, while expression of Fasn (P <0.05) and Lep (P <0.05) mRNA increased in brown adipose tissue. Also, the levels of UCP1 diminished (P <0.001, 2.5-fold). Finally, lower oxygen consumption (P <0.05), ATP synthesis (P <0.05) and mitochondrial content (P <0.05) were observed in iBAT of glucocorticoid-treated rats. Glucocorticoid excess induced an extensive remodelling of interscapular brown adipose tissue, resulting in a white-like phenotype in association with metabolic disturbances.

Influence of Stem Cell Therapy on Thyroid Function and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Diabetic Rats.

Cell therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has been proposed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). It is known that the prevalence of thyroid disease is higher among diabetic patients than in general population. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effect of the treatment with MSC on thyroid function and ROS generation in an experimental model of type 1 DM. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control, DM (80 mg/kg BW streptozotocin, iv.) and DM+MSC. MSC treatment occurred 4 weeks after DM induction and the animals were euthanized 4 weeks after MSC administration. We also evaluated the effect of co-culture with MSC or extracellular vesicles (EV) obtained from these cells on the rat thyroid cell line PCCL3 exposed to high glucose. Thyroid H2O2 generation was increased in DM, which was reversed by MSC treatment. These changes paralled a significant DuOx1 mRNA increase. The incubation of PCCL3 with high glucose increased extracellular H2O2 generation, which was reversed by both the co-culture with MSC and EV. Even though MSC treatment normalized thyroid ROS generation, serum thyroid hormone (TH) concentration remained low, along with increased serum TSH concentrations. Thyroperoxidase (TPO) activity, was reduced in DM, and MSC treatment did not normalize TPO. Therefore, we conclude that the treatment with MSC was able to reverse the increased thyroid H2O2 generation in diabetic animals and in PCCL3 cells exposed to high glucose, an effect probably mediated by EV produced by these cells, acting in a paracrine fashion.

The determinants of home and nursing home death: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Most Canadians die in hospital, and yet, many express a preference to die at home. Place of death is the result of the interaction among sociodemographic, illness- and healthcare-related factors. Although home death is sometimes considered a potential indicator of end-of-life/palliative care quality, some determinants of place of death are more modifiable than others. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the determinants of home and nursing home death in adult patients diagnosed with an advanced, life-limiting illness. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed for studies in English published from January 1, 2004 to September 24, 2013 that evaluated the determinants of home or nursing home death compared to hospital death in adult patients with an advanced, life-limiting condition. The adjusted odds ratios, relative risks, and 95% confidence intervals of each determinant were extracted from the studies. Meta-analyses were performed if appropriate. The quality of individual studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the body of evidence was assessed according to the GRADE Working Group criteria. RESULTS: Of the 5,900 citations identified, 26 retrospective cohort studies were eligible. The risk of bias in the studies identified was considered low. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of home versus hospital death included multidisciplinary home palliative care, preference for home death, cancer as opposed to other diagnoses, early referral to palliative care, not living alone, having a caregiver, and the caregiver's coping skills. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about the determinants of place of death can be used to inform care planning between healthcare providers, patients and family members regarding the feasibility of dying in the preferred location and may help explain the incongruence between preferred and actual place of death. Modifiable factors such as early referral to palliative care, presence of a multidisciplinary home palliative care team were identified, which may be amenable to interventions that improve the likelihood of a patient dying in the preferred location. Place of death may not be a very good indicator of the quality of end-of-life/palliative care since it is determined by multiple factors and is therefore dependent on individual circumstances.

Reassessing the evolutionary history of ass-like equids: insights from patterns of genetic variation in contemporary extant populations.

All extant equid species are grouped in a single genus - Equus. Among those, ass-like equids have remained particularly unstudied and their phylogenetic relations were poorly understood, most probably because they inhabit extreme environments in remote geographic areas. To gain further insights into the evolutionary history of ass-like equids, we have used a non-invasive sampling approach to collect representative fecal samples of extant African and Asiatic ass-like equid populations across their distribution range and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing analyses to examine intraspecific genetic diversity and population structure, and to reconstruct phylogenetic relations among wild ass species/subspecies. Sequence analyses of 410 base pairs of the fast evolving mtDNA control region identified the Asiatic wild ass population of Kalamaili (China) as the one displaying the highest diversity among all wild ass populations. Phylogenetic analyses of complete cytochrome b sequences revealed that African and Asiatic wild asses shared a common ancestor approximately 2.3Mya and that diversification in both groups occurred much latter, probably driven by climatic events during the Pleistocene. Inferred genetic relationships among Asiatic wild ass species do not support E. kiang monophyly, highlighting the need of more extensive studies in order to clarify the taxonomic status of species/subspecies belonging to this branch of the Equus phylogeny. These results highlight the importance of re-assessing the evolutionary history of ass-like equid species, and urge to extend studies at the population level to efficiently design conservation and management actions for these threatened species.

Severity Profile of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics associated with severity in children hospitalized with COVID-19. METHOD: This was an epidemiological cohort study conducted in two hospitals, one of which was a reference center for the treatment of COVID-19 cases. Data were collected from the reports generated by the hospital epidemiology centers and the medical records of patients aged between 0 and 14 years with a diagnosis of COVID-19, hospitalized between March 2020 and June 2021. To analyze the association between the clinical profile and severity, the cases were classified as severe (severe and critical) and non-severe (asymptomatic, mild, and moderate). RESULTS: Of the 191 children followed up in the cohort, 73.3% developed the severe form. The percentage of children with oxygen saturation below 95% was 46.6%. In the multivariate analysis, a higher risk of severity was estimated among children with uncontrolled asthma (RR = 13.2), who were overweight or obese (RR = 3.21), who had cough symptoms (RR = 2.72), and those aged under one year (RR = 3.23). CONCLUSIONS: This result underscores the need to improve healthcare at every level for children and for the management of asthma and nutrition when considering children with this clinical profile who are diagnosed with COVID-19.

Effect of Motor Competence and Health-Related Fitness in the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors.

Purpose: In the last decades we have seen an increase in sedentary behaviors and a decrease in physical activity in children when compared to past generations. This lifestyle is commonly associated with the development of clustering risk factors that define metabolic syndrome (MetS). Knowing that motor competence (MC) development can influence lifelong physical activity habits, it is reasonable to assume that children's MC will directly link to clustered cardiometabolic health outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of MC in MetS risk factors. Methods: Seventy children with a mean age of 7.49 (SD = 1.28) years were evaluated on motor competence (MCA-Motor Competence Assessment instrument), cardiovascular fitness (PACER test), upper body strength (UBS; handgrip), and the components of MetS, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, abdominal obesity, low concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high fasting blood glucose. The composite value of MetS was calculated according to Burns et al. (2017). Multiple standard regressions were performed to explore the effect of different variables on MetS. Motor competence and health-related fitness (cardiovascular fitness and relative upper body strength) were used as independent variables (predictors) and MetS as dependent variable. Results: Overall, the results showed that motor competence (ß = -.072; p < .05) is a significant predictor and this model explained 7,1% of the variance in MetS. Conclusion: Although more studies are needed, our results indicate that MC seems to have a positive role in children's health markers.

This study aimed to analyze the role of MC, cardiorespiratory fitness, and upper body strength in MetS risk factors.The results suggest that upper body strength is the strongest predictor for MetS (negative association), followed by MC (positive association).When the different MC components were entered independently instead of total MC, the upper body strength and locomotor MC were found to be significant predictors of the MetS behavior.Considering our results and the fact that MC levels during childhood positively influence PA levels along lifespan, this study suggests a pathway to follow in future research.

How immunogenetically different are domestic pigs from wild boars: a perspective from single-nucleotide polymorphisms of 19 immunity-related candidate genes.

The coexistence of wild boars and domestic pigs across Eurasia makes it feasible to conduct comparative genetic or genomic analyses for addressing how genetically different a domestic species is from its wild ancestor. To test whether there are differences in patterns of genetic variability between wild and domestic pigs at immunity-related genes and to detect outlier loci putatively under selection that may underlie differences in immune responses, here we analyzed 54 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 19 immunity-related candidate genes on 11 autosomes in three pairs of wild boar and domestic pig populations from China, Iberian Peninsula, and Hungary. Our results showed no statistically significant differences in allele frequency and heterozygosity across SNPs between three pairs of wild and domestic populations. This observation was more likely due to the widespread and long-lasting gene flow between wild boars and domestic pigs across Eurasia. In addition, we detected eight coding SNPs from six genes as outliers being under selection consistently by three outlier tests (BayeScan2.1, FDIST2, and Arlequin3.5). Among four non-synonymous outlier SNPs, one from TLR4 gene was identified as being subject to positive (diversifying) selection and three each from CD36, IFNW1, and IL1B genes were suggested as under balancing selection. All of these four non-synonymous variants were predicted as being benign by PolyPhen-2. Our results were supported by other independent lines of evidence for positive selection or balancing selection acting on these four immune genes (CD36, IFNW1, IL1B, and TLR4). Our study showed an example applying a candidate gene approach to identify functionally important mutations (i.e., outlier loci) in wild and domestic pigs for subsequent functional experiments.

Disclosing the origin and diversity of Omani cattle.

Among all livestock species, cattle have a prominent status as they have contributed greatly to the economy, nutrition and culture from the beginning of farming societies until the present time. The origins and diversity of local cattle breeds have been widely assessed. However, there are still some regions for which very little of their local genetic resources is known. The present work aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and the origins of Omani cattle. Located in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, close to the Near East, East Africa and the Indian subcontinent, the Sultanate of Oman occupies a key position, which may enable understanding cattle dispersal around the Indian Ocean. To disclose the origin of this cattle population, we used a set of 11 polymorphic microsatellites and 113 samples representing the European, African and Indian ancestry to compare with cattle from Oman. This study found a very heterogenic population with a markedly Bos indicus ancestry and with some degree of admixture with Bos taurus of African and Near East origin.

Understanding the importance of attachment in shame traumatic memory relation to depression: the impact of emotion regulation processes.

BACKGROUND: Early relationships are crucial to human brain maturation, well-being, affect regulation and self-other schema. Shame traumatic memories are related to psychopathology, and recent research has shown that the quality and type of attachment relationships may be crucial in shame traumatic memories in relation to psychopathology. The current study explores a mediator model of emotion regulation processes (rumination, thought suppression and dissociation) on the association between shame traumatic memory, with attachment figures and with others, and depressive symptoms. METHOD: Ninety subjects from the general community population completed the Shame Experiences Interview (SEI), assessing shame experiences from childhood and adolescence, and a battery of self-report scales measuring shame traumatic memory, rumination, thought suppression, dissociation and depression. RESULTS: Mediator analyses show that emotion regulation processes, such as brooding, thought suppression and dissociation, mediate the association between shame traumatic memory with others and depression. In contrast, shame traumatic memory with attachment figures has a direct effect on depression, not mediated by emotion regulation processes, with only brooding partially mediating this relation. CONCLUSION: The current findings shed light on the importance of attachment figures on the structuring of shame traumatic memories and on their impact on psychopathological symptoms, adding to recent neuroscience research and Gilbert's approach on shame and compassion. In addition, our results emphasize the relevance of addressing shame memories, mainly those that involve attachment figures, particularly when working with patients suffering from depressive symptoms and/or that find compassion difficult or scary. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: The quality of attachment relationships is important in how shame memories are structured and in their relation to psychopathology. The relationship between shame traumatic memory with attachment figures and depressive symptoms is not mediated by emotion regulation processes (rumination, thought suppression and dissociation). In contrast, these processes emerge as mediators on the association between shame traumatic memory with others and depression. For people suffering from depressive symptoms, having been shamed by an attachment figure may be a major block to develop self-compassion and receive compassion from others and may constitute an important obstacle to recovery. When working with patients suffering from depressive symptoms and/or that find compassion difficult or scary, it is important to target shame memories, especially those that involve attachment figures. In therapy with individuals with depressive symptoms and who reveal shame traumatic memories involving others, it may not only be pertinent to target these memories but also to evaluate and intervene on emotion regulation processes, particularly rumination, thought suppression and dissociation.

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for Headache Treatment After an Incidental Durotomy: A Case Report.

Incidental durotomy is the most common intraoperative complication of spine surgeries. Our main goal is to report a case of a postoperative postdural puncture headache following an incidental durotomy successfully managed with a sphenopalatine ganglion block. A 75-year-old woman, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status II, proposed for a lumbar interbody fusion. During surgery, an incidental durotomy with cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred, being repaired with muscle and DuraSeal® Dural Sealant System. In the recovery room, 1 hour after the end of the surgery, the patient developed a severe headache associated with nausea and photophobia. A bilateral transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block with 0.75% ropivacaine was performed. Immediate pain relief was verified. The patient reported only mild headaches on the first postoperative day, feeling progressively better until discharge. The sphenopalatine ganglion block may be an effective alternative treatment for postdural puncture headache following an incidental durotomy during neurosurgeries. Sphenopalatine ganglion block may be a safe, lowrisk alternative in the treatment of postdural puncture headache after an incidental durotomy that can be used in the immediate postoperative period to enable early recovery and return to day-to-day activities, which will hopefully lead to better surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Assessment of Food and Cooking Skills: Validation of a Portuguese Version of a Tool and Characterisation of Food and Cooking Skills in Young Adults.

Introduction: Food and cooking skills (FCSks) are defined as a complex, interrelated, and person-centred set of skills, necessary to provide and prepare safe, nutritious, and culturally acceptable meals for all members of the household. Recent studies have associated higher FCSk with healthier eating habits and better health. This study aimed to validate a Portuguese version of a tool to assess and describe FCSk in young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study used an online anonymous questionnaire that was disseminated to students from three Portuguese Higher Education Institutes. The questionnaire validation included Cronbach alpha and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Mann-Whitney test was used for evaluating sample differences and Pearson correlation for association among variables. Results: Internal consistency reliability was 0.89 for cooking skills (CSks) and 0.87 for food skills (FSks). A moderate positive correlation was found between CSks and FSks confidence (r = 0.658, p < 0.01). CFA presented a good adjustment model for most of the fit indices, indicating the adequacy of the questionnaire. The CSks score was 74.1 ± 21.2 (moderate) and the food Skills was 94.2 ± 20.8 (high). Cook pulses, steaming food, and planning meals ahead scored the lowest value, while boiling or simmering food, chopping, peeling vegetables, and reading the best-before date scored the highest value. No difference was found among sex (p CSk = 0.576; p FSk = 0.158), age (p CSk = 0.566; p FSk = 0.130), body mass index classes (p CSk = 0.903; p FSk = 0.320), or course (p CSk = 0.169; p FSk = 0.126). The greatest interest in gastronomy and frequency of meal preparation is associated with higher FCSk (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This research validated a Portuguese version of a tool to assess FCSk among young adults. Internal consistency reliability was adequate. Confirmatory factor analysis returned good psychometric properties for the questionnaire. Authors identified lower FCSk competencies in cooking pulses and vegetables, which are healthy and sustainable foods. This may compromise the adoption of healthy eating behaviours, so promoting FCSk in young adults may pose a strategy for nutrition and public health in reducing diet-related diseases. This tool may be used to identify opportunities for intervention in public health nutrition.

Introdução: O conceito de competências culinárias e alimentares (FCSk) está associado à existência de um conjunto complexo de competências, inter-relacionadas e centradas na pessoa quando capaz de fornecer e preparar para todos os membros do agregado familiar refeições seguras, nutritivas e culturalmente aceitáveis. Estudos recentes associaram as FCSk mais elevadas a hábitos alimentares mais saudáveis e melhor saúde. Este estudo visou validar uma versão portuguesa de uma ferramenta para avaliar e descrever as FCSk em adultos jovens. Métodos: Foi feito um estudo transversal que utilizou um questionário anónimo online, que foi divulgado a estudantes de três institutos de Ensino Superior portugueses. A validação do questionário incluiu Cronbach alfa e o Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). O teste Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para avaliar as diferenças da amostra e a correlação de Pearson para associação entre variáveis. Resultados: A fiabilidade da consistência interna foi de 0,89 para CSk e 0,87 para FSk. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva moderada entre a cozedura e a confiança nos conhecimentos alimentares (r = 0.658, p < 0.01). CFA apresentou um bom modelo de ajuste para a maioria dos índices de ajuste, indicando a adequação do questionário. A pontuação de competências culinárias foi de 74.1 ± 21.2 (moderada) e as competências alimentares de 94.2 ± 20.8 (elevada). Cozinhar legumes, cozer alimentos a vapor e planear refeições com antecedência obteve o valor mais baixo, enquanto ferver ou fervilhar alimentos, picar e descascar vegetais, e ler a melhor data antes da data obteve o valor mais alto. Não foi encontrada diferença entre sexo (pCSk = 0.576; pFSk = 0.158), idade (pCSk = 0.566; pFSk = 0.130), classes do Índice de Massa Corporal (pCSk = 0.903; pFSk = 0.320) ou curso (pCSk = 0.169; pFSk = 0.126). O maior interesse em gastronomia e frequência de preparação de refeições está associado a uma FCSk mais elevada (p < 0.05). Conclusão: Esta investigação validou uma versão portuguesa de uma ferramenta para avaliar a FCSk entre os jovens adultos. A fiabilidade da consistência interna era adequada. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis devolveu boas propriedades psicométricas para o questionário. Os autores identificaram competências inferiores das FCSk em legumes e legumes de cozinha, que são alimentos saudáveis e sustentáveis. Isto pode comprometer a adoção de comportamentos alimentares saudáveis, pelo que a promoção das FCSk em adultos jovens pode constituir uma estratégia para a nutrição e saúde pública na redução de doenças relacionadas com a dieta. Esta ferramenta pode ser utilizada para identificar oportunidades de intervenção na nutrição da saúde pública.

Olive oil oleogels as strategy to confer nutritional advantages to burgers.

The effect of bovine back fat replacement by oleogels containing pork skin and olive oil on the oxidative stability, physicochemical, technological, nutritional, and sensory parameters of burgers was evaluated. Four different hamburger (H) were manufactured: with 90 % of lean beef and 10 % of bovine back fat (control, HC), or with 10 % of pork skin/water/virgin olive oil (HVOO), stripped olive oil added of an olive leaf extract (HESOO) or stripped olive oil (HSOO) oleogels, at 20:60:20 ratio. Physical-chemical stability was assessed after storage for 7 days at 4 °C and for 90 days at -20 °C, under non-vacuum and vacuum packaging. A reduction in the fat content by 80 % and in the energy content by 35 %, an increase in the protein content by 15 % and a better fatty acid profile were achieved in the oleogel containing burgers. After processing at 180 °C (grill), hardness, chewiness, sensory parameters and overall acceptability were high and comparable to control. All burgers were oxidative stable during 7 days at 4 °C. After storage for 90 days at -20 °C, only HSOO samples stored under non-vacuum packaging were oxidized. The antioxidant content in samples HVOO and HESOO efficiently prevented the oxidation of these samples.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Olive Oil Polyphenols-The Role of Oleacein and Its Metabolites.

The anti-inflammatory potential of oleacein, the main polyphenolic compound found in olive oil, and its main metabolites were characterized by their effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and by their ability to inhibit enzymes of the arachidonic acid metabolism with a key role in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. Oleacein at 12.5 µM significantly decreased the amount of L-citrulline and ●NO generated by LPS-stimulated macrophages. Hydroxytyrosol, hydroxytyrosol acetate and hydroxytyrosol acetate sulfate were also able to reduce the cellular amount of ●NO, although to a lesser extent. In contrast, hydroxytyrosol glucuronide and sulfate did not show detectable effects. Oleacein was also able to inhibit the coupled PLA2 + 5-LOX enzyme system (IC50 = 16.11 µM), as well as the 5-LOX enzyme (IC50 = 45.02 µM). Although with lower activity, both hydroxytyrosol and hydroxytyrosol acetate were also capable of inhibiting these enzymes at a concentration of 100 µM. None of the other tested metabolites showed a capacity to inhibit these enzymes. In contrast, all compounds, including glucuronides and sulfate metabolites, showed a remarkable capacity to inhibit both cyclooxygenase isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, with IC50 values lower than 3 µM. Therefore, oleacein and its metabolites have the ability to modulate ●NO- and arachidonic acid-dependent inflammatory cascades, contributing to the anti-inflammatory activity associated with olive oil polyphenols.

Whole-Genome Analysis Deciphers Population Structure and Genetic Introgression Among Bovine Species.

It is known that throughout history and presently, taurine (Bos taurus) and indicine/zebu (Bos indicus) cattle were crossed with other bovine species (e.g., gayal, gaur, banteng, yak, wisent, and bison). Information on the role of interspecific hybridization to facilitate faster adaptation of the newly arrived domestic species to new environments is poorly known. Herein, we collected 266 samples of bovine species of the taurine, zebu, yak, and gaur from West Europe, Southwest China, Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia to conduct the principal component analysis (PCA), admixture, gene flow, and selection signature analyses by using SNPs distributed across the bovine autosomes. The results showed that the genetic relationships between the zebu, yak, and gaur mirrored their geographical origins. Three ancestral components of the European taurine, East Asian taurine, and Indian zebu were found in domestic cattle, and the bidirectional genetic introgression between the Diqing cattle and Zhongdian yak was also detected. Simultaneously, the introgressed genes from the Zhongdian yak to the Diqing cattle were mainly enriched with immune-related pathways, and the ENPEP, FLT1, and PIK3CA genes related to the adaptation of high-altitude hypoxia were detected. Additionally, we found the genetic components of the Zhongdian yak had introgressed into Tibetan cattle. The 30 selected genes were detected in Tibetan cattle, which were significantly enriched in the chemokine signaling pathway. Interestingly, some genes (CDC42, SLC39A2, and EPAS1) associated with hypoxia response were discovered, in which CDC42 and SLC39A2 played important roles in angiogenesis and erythropoiesis, and heart function, respectively. This result showed that genetic introgression was one of the important ways for the environmental adaptation of domestic cattle.

Evolutionary patterns of two major reproduction candidate genes (Zp2 and Zp3) reveal no contribution to reproductive isolation between bovine species.

BACKGROUND: It has been established that mammalian egg zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins are responsible for species-restricted binding of sperm to unfertilized eggs, inducing the sperm acrosome reaction, and preventing polyspermy. In mammals, ZP apparently represents a barrier to heterospecific fertilization and thus probably contributes to reproductive isolation between species. The evolutionary relationships between some members of the tribe Bovini are complex and highly debatable, particularly, those involving Bos and Bison species for which interspecific hybridization is extensively documented. Because reproductive isolation is known to be a major precursor of species divergence, testing evolutionary patterns of ZP glycoproteins may shed some light into the speciation process of these species. To this end, we have examined intraspecific and interspecific genetic variation of two ZP genes (Zp2 and Zp3) for seven representative species (111 individuals) from the Bovini tribe, including five species from Bos and Bison, and two species each from genera Bubalus and Syncerus. RESULTS: A pattern of low levels of intraspecific polymorphism and interspecific divergence was detected for the two sequenced fragments each for Zp2 and Zp3. At intraspecific level, none of neutrality tests detected deviations from neutral equilibrium expectations for the two genes. Several haplotypes in both genes were shared by multiple species from Bos and Bison. CONCLUSIONS: Here we argue that neither ancestral polymorphism nor introgressive hybridization alone can fully account for haplotype sharing among species from Bos and Bison, and that both scenarios have contributed to such a pattern of haplotype sharing observed here. Additionally, codon-based tests revealed strong evidence for purifying selection in the Zp3 coding haplotype sequences and weak evidence for purifying selection in the Zp2 coding haplotype sequences. Contrary to a general genetic pattern that genes or genomic regions contributing to reproductive isolation between species often evolve rapidly and show little or no gene flow between species, these results demonstrate that, particularly, those sequenced exons of the Zp2 and the Zp3 did not show any contribution to reproductive isolation between the bovine species studied here.

Zebu cattle are an exclusive legacy of the South Asia neolithic.

Animal domestication was a major step forward in human prehistory, contributing to the emergence of more complex societies. At the time of the Neolithic transition, zebu cattle (Bos indicus) were probably the most abundant and important domestic livestock species in Southern Asia. Although archaeological evidence points toward the domestication of zebu cattle within the Indian subcontinent, the exact geographic origins and phylogenetic history of zebu cattle remains uncertain. Here, we report evidence from 844 zebu mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences surveyed from 19 Asiatic countries comprising 8 regional groups, which identify 2 distinct mitochondrial haplogroups, termed I1 and I2. The marked increase in nucleotide diversity (P < 0.001) for both the I1 and I2 haplogroups within the northern part of the Indian subcontinent is consistent with an origin for all domestic zebu in this area. For haplogroup I1, genetic diversity was highest within the Indus Valley among the three hypothesized domestication centers (Indus Valley, Ganges, and South India). These data support the Indus Valley as the most likely center of origin for the I1 haplogroup and a primary center of zebu domestication. However, for the I2 haplogroup, a complex pattern of diversity is detected, preventing the unambiguous pinpointing of the exact place of origin for this zebu maternal lineage. Our findings are discussed with respect to the archaeological record for zebu domestication within the Indian subcontinent.